MoDNR seeks comments on Unilever HPC-USA's proposed final remedy and regulatory …

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MARCH 16, 2026 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Waste Management Program invites the public to review and offer written comments on the proposed final remedy and regulatory release for the Unilever HPC-USA facility until April 16, 2026.

The department issued a statement of basis in support of the proposed final remedy of no further corrective action at the Unilever facility. The department also proposes to release the facility from regulation as a former interim status hazardous waste storage facility subject to corrective action requirements of the Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Law and regulations and federal Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

During the public comment period, anyone can request a public meeting or public hearing about the proposed final remedy and regulatory release. For more information, please contact Jesse Smith by telephone at 573-751-3296.

Unilever HPC-USA, formerly Chesebrough-Ponds, Inc., operated a commercial manufacturing facility, located on about 75 acres at 2600 West Truman Boulevard in Jefferson City. On Nov. 1, 1966, Chesebrough-Ponds began operating at the site, formulating and packaging health and beauty products such as Vaseline Intensive Care hand lotions, Cutex nail polish removers, Q-Tips and toothpaste. The facility also packaged pre-formulated nail polish, which was brought to the facility in 55-gallon drums. Historically the plant also manufactured cough syrup, lipstick and nail polish.

The department determined Unilever closed its regulated unit according to the approved closure plan and met the requirements of federal and state laws and regulations. The necessary steps have been taken to identify, investigate and clean up all solid waste management units and areas of concern at the facility. The program is proposing that no further corrective action is necessary.

The statement of basis, which discusses the department's basis of support for the proposed final remedy, is available online at dnr.mo.gov/waste-recycling/what-were-doing/public-involvement/notices-comments. Some supporting documents are not available online due to file size.

Comments on the proposed final remedy and regulatory release are more effective if they point out legal or technical issues or provide information not in the record. Please send written comments to Jesse Smith, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Waste Management Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176; or by email to [email protected].

For more information about the proposed regulatory release, or to obtain a written copy of the statement of basis for review, please contact Smith at 573-751-3296. Hearing- and speech-impaired individuals may reach Smith through Relay Missouri at 800-735-2966.

The public can view and copy the Statement of Basis and supporting documents at the following locations:

Missouri River Regional Library
214 Adams St Jefferson City, MO
Phone: 573-634-2464
*During normal business hours.

Missouri Department of Natural Resources
1730 E. Elm St. (lower level) Jefferson City, MO
Phone:573-751-3043
*File reviews must be made through a sunshine request. Please visit dnr.mo.gov/open-records-sunshine-law-requests.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7
Information Resource Center
11201 Renner Blvd. Lenexa, KS
Phone: 913-551-7241
*Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (not including federal holidays)